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Scratch Kitchen and Cocktails takes the craft of cocktails to a level not often found in Oklahoma, making dozens of syrups and liqueurs in-house and using only fresh-squeezed juices. In the kitchen, Scratch makes nearly everything from, well, scratch, from the ketchup and mayonnaise to the stocks and sauces. Whether dining in their historic building or attending an event at…

There’s no doubt about it; our pets are a part of our family. But the love and compassion we show them begins before we bring them home. When a new puppy or kitten is purchased from a breeder or at a pet store, another animal without a home is passed up. Lack of widespread spaying and neutering means there will…

Being a family on the run doesn’t mean having to sacrifice taste, time together, or health. In fact, the staff of the Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education Project, founded 15 years ago to improve the health of Oklahoma families through nutrition and physical activity, believes their “Choose Homemade” initiative shows you can have it all. This initiative emphasizes the importance…

Welcome to 2018! Although I drink year-round (who are we kidding? I drink week-round, sometimes day-round), drinking in the wintertime seems somehow more satisfying. Cold weather calls for hardy wines, and hardy wines are my second favorite “hardy” thing (shout-out to Parker Stevenson and Shaun Cassidy). But unlike many '70s TV shows, my wine picks for winter can be consumed…

T here’s an old slogan that’s been floating around for years that states, “My get up and go has got up and went.” That’s arguably true for most Americans, living as we do in a fast-paced culture where many people spend their days gulping Red Bulls, sitting in front of a computer and getting by on far less than eight…

This holiday season, say goodbye to big-box-store gift certificates. Forget those boring old men’s ties. Instead, keep your dollars local and purchase thoughtful, personalized gifts for your family and friends that show you really care and that are sure to be enjoyed and cherished. We've included gift ideas to fit even the most discerning person on your shopping list in this,…

The holiday season can be a really big project at our house. Menu planning, shopping, school programs … it can be a whirlwind of activity. I have found that some proactive planning is the key to my preparations and getting all those important things accomplished. It also helps me stay fiscally responsible and keeps my budget realistic.

Beautiful as it is, the lure of the Oregon coast wasn’t enough to keep veteran Farrel Droke from his Oklahoma roots. After two years away, this past August he and his wife, Julie, returned to their longtime hometown of Norman, settling happily into a post-retirement routine that includes lots of music.

Noble McIntyre of McIntyre Law, with the assistance of the incredible support offered by over 100 member lawyers of the Oklahoma Association for Justice, a group composed of plaintiff attorneys across the state who have dedicated their careers to helping people injured as the result of another’s negligent conduct, has raised more than $500,000 over the past seven years to…

If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or one of the other musculoskeletal diseases/systemic autoimmune conditions commonly referred to as rheumatic diseases, you know how important it is to have a doctor you not only respect, but one with whom you feel comfortable.

If you haven’t visited T-Town in several years, now’s a great time. In addition to a plethora of entertainment and dining options, Tulsa lays claim to many unique shopping centers and boutiques, so you can have fun while getting your holiday shopping done!

This recipe for Hungarian Galuska and Pörkölt came from Agi Lurtz's mother, who grew up in Hungary, escaped the war, found a sponsor and became a naturalized American citizen. Agi says her mother typically made the beef version; however she often substitutes chicken as a healthier option and and because it requires far less prep and cooking time. Over the…

Ahh … Autumn! Time for pumpkin-carving, corn mazes and hay rides, and fall foliage tours! For many in Sooner Country, this season also marks another perennial fall fav: tailgating. For more than a decade, the Brasel family has enthusiastically hosted tailgate parties in a big way prior to each home football game.

A great, successful workout is one that you can never truly master. It constantly switches things up, and your body never gets the chance to plateau because there’s always a new challenge around the corner. That’s why the dynamic workouts at Pure Barre are so great at giving real results. The instructors always keep you on your toes, and they…

One of the best-known specialties of Viennese cuisine, Wiener Schnitzel is a very thin breaded and pan-fried cutlet traditionally made with veal. The Wiener Schnitzel is one of the national dishes of Austria. A popular variation is made with pork instead of veal, in part because pork is cheaper than veal.

Where can you go to experience glorious fall foliage, enjoy first-rate cuisine, explore architectural treasures by Frank Lloyd Wright, Moshe Safdie and Buckminster Fuller, and view hundreds of masterpieces by American artists from over the past 500 years? It’s all available in one remarkable package: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Stunning. Breathtaking. Luxurious. All words that perfectly capture a gorgeous home showcasing a picturesque location created with the touch of a gifted architect and an accomplished builder. Located at 2700 SW 130th Court in the exclusive Rivendell community, this five-bedroom French Country-inspired residence features a stamped circle driveway, three full bathrooms, two half-baths, a gourmet kitchen, mirrored fitness room, home…

Dave Boeck has a deep and personal understanding of the needs of those requiring special accommodations. Following four surgeries to address knee, back and rotator cuff injuries, Boeck had the “opportunity to discover” the many challenges facing those with mobility issues: at the time, he lived in a two-story house in which all the bedrooms and bathrooms were located on…

Not in love with your home and environs, but don't want to move? We asked a home remodeling professional, an expert on creating beautiful, fun and functional fun outdoors spaces, and an interior designer for their top-six creative “fixes.”

Heartbreak Rodeo’s David Henson says their band name comes from a favorite analogy. “Life is like the rodeo,” he explains. “You draw the bull you draw, and a lot of time it ends in heartbreak. When we get up to play, we have that same eight seconds to sell the song.” And as one of Norman’s most popular bands, Henson…

Three successful local artists have lived the title of Jeff Goins’ recent best seller, Real Artists Don't Starve. Brett McDanel, JURRI and Skip Hill are not "starving artists", but "thriving artists." In RADS, Goins says, "All artists possess a secret weapon: stubbornness." That tenacious stubbornness, necessary to the prolific artist, obviously rests in these three, who have developed unique styles,…

Two of the latest treatments for chronic pain and getting rid of stubborn fat are proving to be big hits for clients at AlignOK Chiropractic Wellness, and patients are reaping huge benefits from both. Recently approved by the FDA, the first treatment is known as pressure wave therapy, It’s a highly successful new technology that provides non-invasive, drug-free treatment for…

The above quote is by 41-year-old Norman resident Loren Coburn, describing his thoughts as he exits a plane from a height of 10,000 to 14,000 feet above the ground. Coburn got started in the extreme sport of skydiving four years ago when his son, also named Loren, at age 15 shared his desire to skydive.

How great would it be to have a cool, sparkling pool right in your own backyard, ready for you and your family to jump into right after work or school? What a fun way to beat Oklahoma’s harsh summer heat, while making family memories to last a lifetime! While many people love the idea, many put that pool purchase on…

Since the Oct. 31, 2016, opening of the Pioneer Woman Mercantile: bakery, deli restaurant and general store, 900,000 people from 50 states and 20 countries have found their way to the tiny town of Pawhuska. The crowds are coming for Ree Drummond's delicious food and downhome atmosphere, and they don't mind waiting to get in the door. Her fans feel…

Renee Bounds says that perhaps her new husband didn’t marry the love of his life when they tied the knot a few months ago. “When we got married, you’d think the highlight would have been marrying his soul mate, right?” she jokes. “But, really, it was getting to go to Morgan County Seed Company in Missouri on our honeymoon that…

When comic books first became popular in the 1930s, they were greeted with skepticism at best, and outrage at worst. Many failed to spot the potential impact of a fledgling art form that would continue to evolve and hook new readers for the better part of the century. Today, one need look no further than the Marvel movie franchises or…

A well-designed, masculine home can be stylish, strong and sophisticated without having to become that stereotypical bachelor pad. We all know that for almost as long as it's been around, interior design has had a definite focus on women. But in today’s design world, it's more than possible to create a space that's contemporary, classy and masculine. You just need…

Reservations for Le Tour de Vin can only be obtained through their website at letourdevin.com. Reservations can be made for any of the individual events, or more than one event combined to create a discount. Visit their website for a choice of reservation options.

Fresh, made-from-scratch meals. A relaxed, casual and fun atmosphere that’s ideal for families, date night or just about any other occasion. A friendly and attentive wait staff. These are just some of the draws of one of Norman’s newest restaurants: El Toro Chino Latin + Asian Kitchen.

Looking to book a cruise to an exotic destination this summer or beyond? What if said destination also allowed you to step back in time, sans H.G. Wells’ time travel machine, to a far simpler time, where you can still catch a ride in a 1950s-era taxi and enjoy the finest entertainment at the famed Tropicana?

Since Lloyd and Carie White took over the helm at Hidden Trails Golf and Country Club two years ago, the club has gotten a much-needed face lift, the grounds are looking the best they’ve looked in years (just ask the members), and the business’ future is brighter than ever.

Think old-fashioned county fair. You know, the wholesome, old-fashioned events featuring booths laden with homemade jams and jellies, handmade Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, and hand-crafted rocking chairs. The type of fair, often held in a large barn or open pasture, where the entertainment was simple but fun, and included entertainment ranging from petting zoos and beanbag tosses to quilting…

Let’s start out with a confession. For the past couple of years, my idea of working out has been doing a 20-minute yoga video in my living room a few times a week, tops. If life got busy, as it so often does, that was the first thing to get cut.

Who doesn’t dream of getting off after a long day of work and escaping to a tropical paradise? Of getting home, kicking off their shoes, and going straight into vacation mode? Moore resident Anita Horn certainly did, but it wasn’t until she reached out to Outdoor Escapes—an Oklahoma outdoor design and building company—that she learned just how attainable that dream…

If you are ever in Norman, Oklahoma, your bucket list might go something like this: visit the University of Oklahoma campus, spend some time at the National Weather Museum or have lunch at the award-winning Sooner Legends BBQ. For those who enjoy history, a trip north on old route 66 will put you in Arcadia, the site of the internationally…

Shopping for homes online through virtual tours and 3-D modeling programs is becoming increasingly popular, and is definitely the wave of the future. It’s a great way to “prescreen” your potential new home, especially if your current digs are too far away to make shopping in person practical at first. In fact, about 96 percent of potential home-buyers go online…

Since the creation of the museum in 1936, the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art on the University of Oklahoma Norman campus has been committed to collecting works by modern and contemporary artists. Mark White, the Wylodean and Bill Saxon Director, notes that the first major acquisition of modern art at the Norman museum occurred in 1948 with the purchase…

There’s a lot of shaking, rattling and rolling going on across Cleveland County, and much of this momentum is being driven by women. I recently sent out a call across Cleveland County Lifestyle’s and my personal Facebook pages, seeking nominations for “women of influence”; the response was overwhelming! This year’s nominees represent the arts, business, education, mental health care, and…

U.S. Marine Corps veteran Dick Clark is quick to insist that he isn’t “interesting enough” to be the subject of any article worth reading. His humble nature belies the fact that he is the recipient of a Purple Heart for his service in Vietnam, is an accomplished martial artist and motorcycle aficionado, and has devoted his retirement to helping veterans…

Norman’s public libraries present two of their most popular events of the season in commemoration of Black History Month during February. The 14th edition of the African American Read-In will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, at Norman Public Library West, 300 Norman Center Court. The event explores the rich history of literature written by African Americans and…

For more information on the Sooner Theatre, including a calendar of upcoming events, visit soonertheatre.org/# The Sooner Theatre: It’s not “community theatre; it’s theatre for the community,” declares Nancy Coggins, the organization’s public relations and development director. That distinction, along with the nonprofit’s frequent collaborations with other arts organizations in the community, truly makes this theater one of the cornerstones…

It’s that time of year again. We’ve looked back on the past 12 months and made our New Year’s resolutions, promising ourselves to make this year our best one yet. Now it’s time to get started. Beginning an exercise routine, or choosing a healthier lifestyle in general, is a resolution that gets made year after year (and often by the…

About 45 percent of Americans make New Year's resolutions every year, and losing weight and getting fit leads those lists more often than not. Eating healthier also ranks near the top. We asked leaders in business, law enforcement, education, nonprofit and other areas across the county (our advertisers, too) to share their health and fitness goals with our readers. Their…

Rarchar S. Tortorello laughs when he says that he could write a book about his life, but a quick conversation reveals just how true that statement is. Tortorello spent 20 years in the U.S. Air Force (from 1987 to 2007), taking him on adventures in the United States and abroad. Since his retirement from the military, Tortorello has settled in…

Always known as a good place for exercising brain muscles, the hometown libraries of the Pioneer Library System are expanding to help their communities with their physical well-being. That takes shape in free classes on topics and for activities, including Tai Chi, Zumba, Pilates and exercises for those suffering with arthritis, as well as activities for nearly all age groups.